Newsom slams $134M for federal troops while CA spends billions on illegal immigrants

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have recently criticized President Trump for the financial cost of sending troops to quell anti-ICE riots in their jurisdiction. They expressed outrage over the $134 million price tag of the deployment, which they claim could have been better spent on other critical needs such as fire recovery.

However, many social media users pointed out that the cost of the troops is significantly less than the billions of dollars that California spends annually on services for illegal immigrants. According to a study by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), California taxpayers foot a bill of over $31 billion each year for providing benefits and services to illegal immigrants. This includes healthcare coverage, education, and incarceration costs.

In response to Newsom and Bass’s criticism, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller highlighted the trillions of dollars spent on illegal aliens nationwide. Conservative activists and lawmakers also chimed in, questioning the prioritization of funds for illegal immigrants over the needs of citizens and critical infrastructure.

Despite the high cost of services for illegal immigrants, California ranks poorly in terms of taxpayer efficiency, according to a recent study by Wallethub. The state comes in 47th place when comparing tax collections to the quality of services in education, health, safety, and infrastructure.

Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the deployment of federal troops to quell the riots, emphasizing the potential cost of property damage and the importance of restoring law and order in Los Angeles. She criticized Newsom and Bass for ignoring the destructive impact of the rioters on local businesses and public property.

In response, Newsom’s Communications Director Izzy Gardon argued that investments in education and healthcare for Californians yield a significant return. He criticized Trump’s decision to deploy troops as a political stunt and a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Mayor Bass reiterated the importance of immigrant labor to the local economy, highlighting the devastating impact of ongoing riots on families and businesses. She emphasized the need for a balanced approach to immigration policy that supports both immigrants and local communities.

In a legal twist, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order directing President Trump to return control of the National Guard to California, citing violations of the Tenth Amendment and statutory authority. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later temporarily blocked the order, scheduling a hearing on the matter for June 17.

As the debate over immigration policy and taxpayer spending continues, the focus remains on finding a sustainable and equitable solution that addresses the needs of all residents in California.